molting and biting

05-17-2007, 07:45 PM

SKittles, my scarlet macaw who is 9 months old is going through a major molt. She has TONS of pin feathers coming in, and is losing lots of old, broken faded feathers that were way overdue for a molt from before I bought her. Her typical scarlet nipping has reached new levels over the last week or so.....every time i pick her up she pinches my wrists so hard now she is breaking the skin, and then she goes to bite for my shoulder. If I leave her perched on her playstand and don't pick her up, and just pet her head, she won't nip or bite. If I walk up to her and kiss her, she kisses back. Wierd.So I know she still loves me!!

Is this related to the molt, or is her scarlet behavior just escalating and I have to just become more stern with her?? Thanks!!

05-17-2007, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Is this related to the molt, or is her scarlet behavior just escalating and I have to just become more stern with her??

Andrea, I don't have any Scarlets so I can't answer whether it's Scarlet related or not. My GW hen is molting for the first time in over 2 years and is utterly miserable and full of pin feathers. She normally is not a biter or pincher so I am chalking up her behavior to the hard molt and I'm being extra careful of her mood.

I am giving her showers every other day to keep the pins soft and I do spray her with a Aloe spray that seems to help also.

Good luck with your Gal, I'm sure she'll be feeling better soon.

05-17-2007, 08:18 PM

One other suggestion, you may want to wrap your arm in an ace bandage or two until she's in a better mood.

05-17-2007, 09:10 PM

Sounds like she may be more uncomfortable than normal. The pins are irritating for the birds no matter what species, and it can cause them to nip and bite. I have learned to actually pick up Lovebug from behind where she steps up backstep and can't nip.

05-17-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrea Y

SKittles, my scarlet macaw who is 9 months old is going through a major molt. She has TONS of pin feathers coming in, and is losing lots of old, broken faded feathers that were way overdue for a molt from before I bought her. Her typical scarlet nipping has reached new levels over the last week or so.....every time i pick her up she pinches my wrists so hard now she is breaking the skin, and then she goes to bite for my shoulder. If I leave her perched on her playstand and don't pick her up, and just pet her head, she won't nip or bite. If I walk up to her and kiss her, she kisses back. Wierd.So I know she still loves me!!

Is this related to the molt, or is her scarlet behavior just escalating and I have to just become more stern with her?? Thanks!!

Hmmmmmm..... told ya so!!!!

Seriously, I think she is too young for the terrible twos and/or hormonal behavior. Like Karen said, try some additional baths to help her through the molt. Why don't you bring her in? Would love to see her anyway!

05-18-2007, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvins Mom

Hmmmmmm..... told ya so!!!!

Seriously, I think she is too young for the terrible twos and/or hormonal behavior. Like Karen said, try some additional baths to help her through the molt. Why don't you bring her in? Would love to see her anyway!

Yeah, Yeah, believe me, I knew i was getting a typical nipper.

She has always nipped....I really have no problem with the nipping....but it has turned into biting, which isn't like her. That's why I was thinking maybe it was related to the molt. Maybe next week I'll bring her in....what days are u there??

05-18-2007, 07:18 AM

[quote=FeathersNFur8;35239]
I am giving her showers every other day to keep the pins soft and I do spray her with a Aloe spray that seems to help also.

QUOTE]

What type of spray exactly do u use? I have never used anything but water, so am new to any aloe. Thanks!